Omega Seamaster Observatory Competition Contender Ref. 168.022/168.028
The cult reputation of Omega is due to its long-lasting synonymy with excellent quality and timekeeping precision but when you think you have seen it all, you will always come across a timepiece that will leave you in awe and more questions than answers.
Shrouded in mystery to say the least, this unicorn of a watch will always make us wonder how much uncharted watchmaking territory is left to uncover. Apparently, this watch was never destined to be sold to the public but was probably part of an internally developed batch to participate in one of the observatory competitions.
Please make sure to read the disclaimers below, as they are important to note. If you have any additional information about this model for research purposes, we will be more than glad to hear from you. The mystery continues, and until it is solved, may your seconds be smooth, your crystals clear, and your memories sharp!
Please read the condition report carefully and refer to the high-resolution pictures to help you assess the overall condition of the watch.
MODEL / REFERENCE: Omega Seamaster Observatory competition example. It presents two reference numbers 168.022 and 168.028. The 26 million serial number dates its production year to circa 1968.
DIAL: The matte eggshell dial is somewhat reminiscent of the FH model, for its minimalist layout. The surface is clean, with subtle darker blemishes. The black imprint is perfectly crisp, from the brand’s logo to the minutes track. The applied black index at 6 o’clock is typical of Omega’s Observatory competition contenders. The elegant silver set of hands seems to be wonderfully preserved.
DISCLAIMER: the “Automatic” and the “T Swiss T” wordings are unusual and contradictory. We believe that these anomalies were not relevant for an internally developed instrument that was intended for a Chronometer contest rather than public use and hence Omega simply used a dial they had on stock.
CRYSTAL: The Hesalite crystal shows some hairline scratches and a very well pronounced Omega signature at the center.
CASE: The stainless-steel case measures 36 mm across and spans 41mm from lug to lug. In overall excellent condition, the brushed and polished surfaces transition with crisp lines, from the beveled bezel to the tapered lugs. Some hairline scratches can be observed, indicative of careful preservation.
CASE BACK: The six notches screw-down case back is in very good condition as it retains a crisp medallion with a sandblasted background. The satin-polished surface displays very minor hairline scratches throughout. The The inner side is stamped with the correct Omega nomenclature and dual reference numbers.
DISCLAIMER: This timepiece comes with a drilled, Mu metal cover to shield the movement from debris and magnetism. It is not typically found on the same model destined to be sold publicly.
CROWN: The crown is original and bears a slightly faded Omega logo. It displays no surface damage and operates as intended, from winding to time-setting.
MOVEMENT: The mechanical Cal. 601 has been adjusted to two positions but not only that. It has been modified to accommodate a small seconds function in addition to the central seconds one. The balance assembly has been upgraded with a Swan neck regulating device. The movement has been checked for good timekeeping performance, ticks strong and both seconds hands move in sync.
BRACELET: 19mm Omega signed black leather strap with an authentic signed, stainless-steel buckle.
ACCESSORIES: Saffiano Leather watch roll.
WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide a 12-month guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and Conditions. Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment.
4,800 CHF
We guarantee the authenticy and the function of the watch
In case the watch should not be as described and pictured, you have the right to return it to us and we will issue a full refund
We provide safe transaction and shipping
We guarantee the authenticy and the function of the watch *
In case the watch should not be as described and pictured, you have the right to return it to us and we will issue a full refund *
We provide safe transaction and shipping limited to the amount paid by the buyer.
* pleaese refer to the warranty and returns policy, as well as to the General Terms and Conditions.
Our business is built on your trust. We guarantee all our timepiece are authentic and as described / pictured or you will receive a full refund.
We guarantee the functionality of our watches. Please refer to the guarantee period stated in each product description. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
Excluded from the warranty for defects are the accuracy, waterproof / water resistance, wear of the wristband and general wear and tear, scratches on the wristband or case, and damage to the glass / crystal.
CHRONOSCOPE is not liable for defects to the products caused by improper handling by the buyer or any third parties, as well as for general wear and tear.
The warranty for defects is null and void if the customer or a third-party attempt to repair the products themselves, unless prior specific written agreements have been made with CHRONOSCOPE
The compensation for the violation of contractual obligations by CHRONOSCOPE is limited to the amount paid by the buyer.
Due to the nature of vintage timepieces, all watches are sold as is. We will accurately describe the current condition and working order of all watches we sell to the best of our ability. Given that vintage watches are antique collector items, we do not provide any guarantee on movement accuracy, water-proofing or any other mechanical guarantee unless it is mentioned in the product description.
We check all watches when listing the watch for sales, and again before shipping. In rare cases, shipping can cause the movement problems. Therfore, please check all functions of the watch upon receipt. Should you find any issues, please notifiy us by email without dealy.
In the unlikely case you should not be satisfied with the watch you receive, contact us and we will work towards finding a solution.
We always looking for interesting vintage and contemporary watches and offer fair values. Please send us some pictures & a discription of what you have, and we will be glad to come back to you with an offer.
If you buy a watch from us, we can also offer a trade-in option.
Swiss Vintage Chronographs, for example Omega, Longines, Breitling, Heuer, Leonidas, Angelus, Excelsior Park, Zenith, Wakmann, Wittnauer but also other lesser known Swiss brands.
Swiss Vintage Watches: for example dives watches of various brands, but also dress watches in steel or gold
Contemporary Swiss Watches such as Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Zenith etc.
Quartz watches only from Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piquet, IWC Vacheron Constatin and other High-End Swiss brands
Digital watches, only from Omega, Girard Perregaux and a few other High-End Swiss Brands
Ladies watches
Pocket watches
Japanese watches (not that they are not good, but i dont have much knowledge there)
Quartz & watches
We need pictures and a brief description of the watches that you intend to sell
Your price expectation, if you already have any
Send us your information by email to sourcing_chronoscope@gmail.com
We guarantee the authenticy and the function of the watch *
* pleaese refer to the warranty and returns policy, as well as to the General Terms and Conditions.
In case the watch should not be as described and pictured, you have the right to return it to us and we will issue a full refund *
* pleaese refer to the warranty and returns policy, as well as to the General Terms and Conditions.
We provide safe transaction and shipping.
Wir garantieren die Echtheit und die Funktion der Uhr *
Sollte die Uhr nicht wie beschrieben und abgebildet sein, haben Sie das Recht, sie an uns zurückzusenden und wir erstatten Ihnen den vollen Betrag zurück *.
Wir bieten sichere Transaktion und Versand begrenzt auf den Betrag vom Käufer bezahlt.
* Bitte beachten Sie die Garantie- und Rückgabebedingungen sowie die Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen.